Devine Scripture

1 Thessalonians 1:8

What does 1 Thessalonians 1:8 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 1:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Thessalonians 1:8 means

From Thessalonica the “word of the Lord” sounded forth like a clear trumpet blast, reaching not only Macedonia and Achaia but “in every place” their God-ward faith was known. The phrase suggests energetic witness flowing from transformed lives and consistent speech. Paul’s team did not need to introduce the Thessalonians; their reputation for genuine conversion preceded them. This wide report does not mean every corner of the world, but it highlights how far the news traveled. The church became both a relay and an echo of the gospel, showing that true reception of the message naturally becomes proclamation to others.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For from you hath sounded forth the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith to God-ward is gone forth; so that we need not to speak anything.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For from you hath sounded forth the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith to God-ward is gone forth; so that we need not to speak anything.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For not only was the word of the Lord sounding out from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith in God is made clear; so that we have no need to say anything.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for from you hath sounded forth the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God did go forth, so that we have no need to say anything,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For from you was spread abroad the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and in Achaia but also in every place: your faith which is towards God, is gone forth, so that we need not to speak any thing.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for the word of the Lord sounded out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith which [is] towardsGod has gone abroad, so that we have no need to say anything;

Context

Building on their role as an example in verse 7, verse 8 emphasizes the outward spread of their testimony. It leads directly to verses 9–10, which supply the content of what others reported about them: their turning from idols and their waiting for Jesus. The structure moves from influence (example), to amplification (sounding forth), to substance (conversion and hope). This prepares readers to grasp not just that the news spread, but what precisely was heard.

v.7so that ye became an ensample to all that believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.

v.8This passage

v.9For they themselves report concerning us what manner of entering in we had unto you; and how ye turned unto God from idols, to serve a living and true God,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 14:6

    And I saw another angel flying in mid heaven, having eternal good tidings to proclaim unto them that dwell on the earth, and unto every nation and tribe and tongue and people;

  • Revelation 22:17

    And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And he that heareth, let him say, Come. And he that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take the water of life freely.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:1

    Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as alsoit iswith you;

  • Romans 1:8

    First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:4

    And such confidence have we through Christ to God-ward:

  • Romans 16:19

    For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore over you: but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil.

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